18% of Bihar universities' budget remained unutilized

A recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlights serious issues in the management of Bihar's universities and other state welfare projects. The report was presented to the Bihar Assembly on March 25, 2025. From 2017 to 2022, 18% of the budget for the universities, totaling ₹4,134.21 crore, was left unspent. This indicates poor financial planning and control. The report also pointed out that 57% of teaching positions at 11 surveyed universities were vacant, with deficits ranging from 49% to 86%. There was a similar situation with non-teaching staff, where vacancies stood at 56%. The report criticized the delay in implementing various welfare initiatives. For example, rules for the welfare of construction workers were established nine years late. Additionally, the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board was formed after a 28-month delay, and it has not updated its committees since February 2015. By March 31, 2022, the board had accumulated ₹1,650.06 crore due to a lack of budget preparations during the previous financial years. The report also raised concerns about delays in the Neer Nirmal Pariyojana project, meant to improve water management. None of the project phases were completed as scheduled, resulting in Bihar missing out on ₹476.90 crore in World Bank funding. Furthermore, funds from the Neer Nirmal project were misused for ineligible costs. Other findings included wasted spending, such as ₹4.89 crore on a dilapidated hospital building that has been unused for ten years, and ₹3.33 crore spent on a bridge project that lacked proper planning and eligible land. Overall, the CAG report reveals significant flaws in Bihar's governance and financial management in various sectors.